Golden arches need dimmer switch

The iconic golden arches of McDonald's at the proposed South Murwillumbah outlet will have to be connected to a dimmer switch according to the conditions stipulated by Tweed Shire Council.Blainey Woodham

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IT is lights out for McDonald's if its South Murwillumbah development hopes to go ahead.

Tweed Shire Council planning officers have recommended approval of a McDonald's in South Murwillumbah ... as long as dimmer switches are installed on neon lights.

It is one of 124 conditions listed in the recommendation, but food outlet operators were not happy with the planning officers' recommendation.

New Leaf cafe owner Gary Bagnall spoke at a council community access meeting on Thursday against the development on behalf of eight other food vendors in and around Murwillumbah.

"I am here because they are too afraid to be here to tell you themselves," Mr Bagnall said.

"In Mur'bah we don't get all that many tourists, but those that do come through will eat.

"We are going to lose some of those people to McDonald's."

Mr Bagnall said even a little drop in trade would have a huge impact on food businesses in Murwillumbah.

"If I lose five to six customers a day then that is $2000 a week," Mr Bagnall said.

"As a struggling business I can't afford it and that's three people that would have to go."

Tweed Shire Council planning officers have recommended that council approve the McDonald's development as part of a shopping village at the former Norco milk and butter factory site in South Murwillumbah.

Councillors will consider the application at Tuesday's council meeting.